PBBM admits insufficient response to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. admitted that the government's response to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine was insufficient, stating, "It's never enough. It's never enough. I wish we could do more."

The storm, which occurred on October 24, caused massive floods and landslides, particularly affecting Luzon, with the Bicol Region, Batangas, and Cavite being heavily impacted.

Kristine resulted in at least 150 deaths and left more than a dozen missing, forcing over half a million people to flee their homes.

Marcos explained that the flood control systems in affected areas were overwhelmed by the storm's intensity, citing rainfall of about 700 centimeters during Kristine, almost double that of Typhoon Ondoy.

He stressed that flood control measures were designed for less intense typhoons and that recent events like landslides in previously unaffected areas are unprecedented.

The President agreed to an investigation into flood control projects, emphasizing the need to understand the science behind such extreme weather events, which he noted are also occurring globally due to climate change.

The government plans to strengthen infrastructure, including flood control systems and bridges, to adapt to climate change, with Marcos promising quick rebuilding of damaged roads and bridges.

In response to the devastation, the government declared November 4 as a day of national mourning, and financial assistance was distributed to affected fishermen, farmers, and families of the deceased, with specific towns receiving P10 million each.